Flu vaccines and the rumour about possible effect on causing autism refuse to die down even now. The links have been reported in many popular newspapers, their effects discussed and re-discussed with expecting mothers refusing vaccine during pregnancy.
RELATED NEWS: The Never Ending Controversy of Vaccines and Autism
Recent study was unable to establish any link between Flu Shot and Autism
It has even been seen that many parents refuse to vaccinate their babies, for the fear of causing autism.
Most often than not, the voice of anti-flu vaccines are mostly preached by individual groups and they have gained quite a footing. However, doctors, researchers and scientists strongly say that vaccines do not cause autism.
It is believed that thimerosal, a preservative used in vaccines to deter the growth of bacteria is the cause of concern and is blamed for rising number of autism among children.
Thimerosal is not used as widely anymore; nevertheless it is still found in adult flu-shots, though shots without the preservative is available for infants, pregnant women and babies.
Evidence Base for Flu Shots Vaccines and Autism during Pregnancy
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics, studies the link to maternal influenza shots and early autism.
The study surveyed 196,929 children, born between January 2000 to December 2010 at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California .
The study involved a follow-up till it was possible to diagnose autism among children and the Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to understand the link between maternal influenza and ASD.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YojBCHTXXNk
Analysis was done on the data available for first, second and third trimester separately.
This further assisted the experts to believe that there was no need for any changes in the policy that advises expectant mothers to get a flu shot.
Over few years of the follow-up research around 3103 children developed autism which is around 1.9% of the total number of children initially studied upon.
It was found that male babies, born at less than 37 week gestation, were more likely to have ASD, compared to other children. Mothers of children with ASD were also found to be comparatively older.
Lisa Croen – senior author of the study said,
[su_quote]We feel [the study] should be reassuring for prospective mothers . . . people should interpret this is that there is really not any increased risk for autism, and we’re recommending no changes in the vaccine policy.[/su_quote]As there is no link between autism and flu, it is essential to get a flu shot during pregnancy. Flu during pregnancy, though is not as harmful for the mother, can be extremely harmful for the unborn baby, causing low birth weight and premature birth.
The rumour about Flu shots causing autism was popularised by Dr Andrew Wakefield, who believe that MMR vaccines caused Autism. The study has subsequently been found as baseless.
Thus following proper medical precautions during pregnancy times goes a long way in the mother being healthy as well as giving birth to a healthy child.
I am Ash and I celebrate Neurodiversity! Growing up with an elder brother with severe Autism was tough – but it has also taught me essential life lessons. I don’t believe that people with Autism are necessarily or have any disorder (except in extreme cases). They are just different! And that is something to be proud of! I am passionate about helping other families who may have Autism conditions in their family. So please reach out and drop me a note. I will be glad to help 🙂
